X-Files: Scully immortality discussed after 'Were-Monster'

The first two episodes of the X-Files revival season put a special focus on the series’ long-running serialized storylines, with frequent references to Roswell, conspiracies, and alien-adjacent babies. In contrast, “Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster” fits neatly in the tradition of standalone Monster-of-the-Week episodes. It’s an hour written and directed by Darin Morgan, who left his mark on X-Files history with episodes like “Jose Chung’s From Outer Space” and “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose.”

“Were-Monster” actually featured a reference to the latter episode — and to a throwaway line written by Morgan that inspired one of the show’s stickiest fan theories. In “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose,” the titular seer has the supernatural ability to see how people are going to die. Ever the skeptic, Scully asks how she will meet her end. Bruckman’s memorable response: “You won’t.”

Later episodes featured vague references to that idea. And “Were-Monster” features an explicit reference. SPOILERS FROM HERE: While Mulder spends the second half of the episode sharing an existential crisis with Rhys Darby’s Werelizard, Scully manages to solve the case practically offscreen, facing off against a serial killer played by Kumail Nanjiani. When Mulder complains that Scully risked her life, Scully nonchalantly reminds him, “I’m immortal, remember?” We asked Morgan himself to clarify his views on the Scully theory, and to talk about the ending of “Were-Monster.” (Head here to learn more from Morgan about the making of this episode and how Louie is like The X-Files.)

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Do you think Scully is actually immortal?

DARIN MORGAN: I hope not. [laughs] I know all about those theories, and that’s why the joke line’s in there. If people want to think that, good for you. It’s always struck me as being a silly notion, and that’s why I joke about it.

At the end of “Were-Monster,” it feels like Mulder has become himself again. But there’s a slightly tragic element to the final moment, where it feels like he’s going to always be searching for the truth. Where do you think Mulder goes from here?

I think all my previous episodes have always ended on a very depressing downbeat. This one is… more of an uplifting outlook? And I’d like to think that that’s where Mulder is headed? But you’ll just have to watch the rest of the episodes to determine whether that proved correct.

You mentioned that this episode was inspired, partially, by your thoughts about getting older. Do you think you have a more uplifting look on life now than when you wrote your original X-Files episodes?

I’ve seen, recently, my old episodes of The X-Files. You can tell, when I wrote that stuff, I didn’t have a dog. And now I have two. I’m not necessarily happier. I don’t understand life anymore than I ever did. But I now I have dogs, so things don’t seem so depressing.